What makes a winning Resume or CV?

With AI, applications are instant, and most candidates are filtered out just as quickly.

Many Perth job seekers are overlooked because their resume or CV does not cut through a crowded field. In a competitive market, your CV is more than a summary of past jobs; it is a carefully worded document that positions you as a credible solution to an employer’s problem. When a resume is generic, unfocused, or poorly aligned to the role, it can quietly remove you from being a genuine contender long before an interview is on the table.

RIP Generic resumes

Sending the same CV for every role no longer works in an age of robotic screening

Writing a CV or resume takes time, which is precisely why many people reuse the same document, making only light changes to the cover letter. For most roles, employers now rely on robotic screening systems (called ATS) to filter out applications that do not closely match their requirements. An effective CV must be clear, logically structured, and easy to scan, but above all it needs to be shaped around the role in question.

When your skills, experience, and qualifications are presented in a way that directly mirrors what the employer is seeking, your application has a far stronger chance of passing the initial screen and reaching the shortlist.

Why does an authentic voice matter?

Use AI as a tool, not instead of your own thinking

With AI generating vast numbers of polished but generic applications, recruiters can almost always spot an artificial or over-engineered CV or resume very quickly. What cuts through is a clear Aussie voice that sounds like you, reflects how you actually think and work, and makes sense in the context of the role. Authentic applications feel grounded and credible, which helps employers trust what they are reading when deciding who to shortlist.

Tips for writing a CV or resume that stands out in Perth

A strong CV is one that gets you to interview, not one that simply records your work history.

Think of your CV or resume as a concise marketing document rather than a list of past roles. In Perth’s competitive job market, employers and robotic screening systems scan quickly, so your CV needs to communicate relevance upfront. Practical ways to improve your chances include:

Job-specific focus – Shaping your CV or resume to the role, industry, and employer.
Authentic voice – Writing in your own words, not an AI-generated persona.
Achievement-led language – Explaining outcomes and impact, not just duties.
Keyword alignment – Reflecting the language and terms used in the job ad.
Clean structure – Keeping the document logical, readable, and easy to skim.
Attention to detail – Checking spelling and grammar carefully before submission.

Having a professional review your CV or resume can make a measurable difference. A well-targeted document, written in clear Australian English and grounded in the job ad, is far more likely to survive initial screening.

CV or resume basics that still matter

Small details can rule you out early, especially when employers are reviewing large volumes of applications.

Errors, gaps, poor English, weak structure, or inconsistent formatting suggest a lack of care. In a crowded Perth job market, that alone can be enough for an employer to move on.

Structuring your CV or resume

Your CV should be easy for both people and screening systems to read. Sections should be clearly labelled, with key information placed where it is expected.

Layout and formatting

Simple, consistent layouts work best. Bullet points help break up content and guide the reader.

Consistent formatting – Use the same font, spacing, and styling throughout.
Clear section headings – Make it easy for employers to find information quickly.
Readable layout – Use sufficient white space to avoid visual clutter.
Word docx format – Older Word formats or files converted from other programs are often unreadable.

Many resumes are screened out because of formatting problems. Do not use templates, reuse outdated files, paste from AI, or convert documents from Apple or PDF. Always start with a clean document in a current version of Microsoft Word.

Spelling and grammar

Mistakes can cost you an interview. Wherever possible, have another person review your CV or resume before submitting it.

Employment history

Logical order – List roles in reverse chronological order.
Dates included – Clearly show start and finish dates for each role.
Earlier roles summarised – Older positions can be covered briefly.
Recent roles prioritised – Focus on key responsibilities and outcomes.

Highlighting achievements

Show how you added value. Outcomes, results, and numbers help employers understand your impact, particularly in competitive roles.

CV or resume length

There is no fixed rule. Follow employer instructions where provided. Otherwise, prioritise relevance over page count. Two to three pages is usually the upper limit.

Meeting the employer’s needs

Job ads clearly signal what matters. If your CV or resume does not address those priorities, it is unlikely to progress.

Start with the job ad

Your application should begin with a careful reading of the job ad and a clear understanding of what the employer is asking for.

Applications are often screened out early because candidates miss instructions, overlook deadlines, or fail to provide what was requested. If these basics are wrong, the application may never be seen by a human recruiter.

Submission details verified – Check closing dates, upload requirements, and how the employer wants applications submitted.
Guidelines followed – Observe any stated limits on length, format, or supporting documents.
Employer language reflected – Use the same terminology and phrasing found in the job ad.
Selection criteria handled properly – Prepare separate responses where these are requested.

Why generic CVs fall short

Recruiters do not have the time or inclination to interpret vague or recycled applications. If it is not immediately clear how your CV or resume fits the role, it is likely to be removed from consideration.

Online applications and robotic screening

Many employers in Perth now rely on online forms and robotic screening to reduce applicant numbers.

Information entered into online application fields is scanned directly for relevance. This means your CV or resume content needs to be copied accurately and completely, not just attached as a document.

When key terms from the job ad are missing, applications can be rejected automatically without human review. Taking care with browsers, uploads, and final checks reduces the risk of being screened out for avoidable reasons.

The goal is a considered, believable application that explains who you are and why you are a sensible match for the role.

Simply order a service (pricing button below) and within 24 hours I will contact you by email or phone. We will work together to hone your CV or Resume until you are 100% satisfied. You can then opt for extra services if you need them.

Like to chat first?

Fill out this form if you would a 15 minute phone chat before deciding to buy my CV writing services. I'll get back to you to schedule a specific time and date.

If your needs are urgent please contact me by phone, FB or Text.

Click on the phone, anytime night and day, to book a complimentary 15 minute call at a time that suits you.

How do I engage you to write my resume?

A brief phone chat allows you to meet the person crafting your resume – me! More...

This initial conversation helps you choose the package that best suits your needs.

During the call, I'll explain my process and what kind of support and communication you can expect from me. The main goal is to ensure you feel confident in my ability to maximise your interview prospects.

Ready to get started? Please select a package and complete your payment via debit card, credit card, or bank transfer. We'll then set up a call to discuss your specific requirements. Together, we'll perfect your resume, responses to selection criteria, and any other documents included in your package until you are completely satisfied.

How do I select a Resume package?

Start with a close look at the job advertisement and job description. More...

The job ad normally sets out what the employer wants from you. There are three elements: the resume and responses to selection criteria, the cover letter, and the LinkedIn Profile. A resume or CV, on its own, is very unlikely to get you a job.

The cover letter (covering letter) is used to pick out and emphasise the relevant bits of your skills, knowledge or experience. You may be asked to 'address' (comment on) the 'selection criteria' (what they need from an applicant) in the cover letter or separately.

Resume or CV - this document provides a concise summary of your qualifications, knowledge, skills, experience, and achievements, all ideally tailored to the job’s specific selection criteria.
Cover Letter - Often in digital form (an e-note) for today's online application processes, this distils your resume's key attributes into a succinct pitch.
Addressing the Selection Criteria - You are often required to respond to both essential and desirable skills, knowledge, experience, and achievements, ensuring your application aligns with what the employer is looking for.
- In government, education, health and non-profit applications, you will almost certainly have to also write a stand-alone document.

Your application should demonstrate alignment with the employer's selection criteria, even if that's not explicitly requested. Example: While solid or diverse professional network might be a key hiring criterion, that might not be in the job ad.

The roles of the cover letter and LinkedIn

The cover letter, or its electronic counterpart, and LinkedIn profile derive from your resume, supporting your application for the specific role. LinkedIn is crucial for roles where a network or online skills are key (like sales or marketing) but is not essential for entry level and general job applications.

What are your credentials?

I've helped thousands of Perth job seekers land interviews over many years. More...

I've had direct experience working for top mining and resources companies in Western Australia, in marketing, HR, and recruitment roles. Over the years, I've assisted countless individuals in applying for positions in Australia, the UK, and the USA. With a degree in Information Science, I bring unique insights into the digital recruitment filters and systems that applicants encounter. I'm a dual UK-Australian citizen, with family in both WA and Leicestershire.

Sectors and organisations

My expertise extends to consulting for various organisations including Horizon Power, Curtin University, the WA Police Department, Perth Zoo, Barminco, Allied Pumps, Alcoa of Australia, Western Mining, Sons of Gwalia, Gulf Petroleum, Small Business Development Corporation, WA State Govt., Information Enterprises Australia, and numerous others. I have consulted to organisations in these sectors, among others:

Mining & Resources (Oil and Gas) Resumes or CVs
Pharmaceutical, Health & Nursing Resumes or CVs
Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Education (Principal and Teacher) Resumes or CVs and responses to selection criteria
General Corporate Managerial and C-Suite Resumes or CVs, including International postings
Political, COS and Party Pre-Selection Resumes or CVs
Government (Local, State and Federal) Resumes or CVs and responses to selection criteria
Franchisee Application Resumes or CVs (for example McDonalds)
Capability Statement CVs for professionals and contractors (especially Mining)
Marketing and Sales Managerial / Director / State Manager Resumes or CVs
IT and Digital Managerial / Director / State Manager Resumes or CVs
ADF and ex-ADF Resumes or CVs

Certification and Memberships

I am a founder-member of the UK-based CVRA, which professionally certifies and educates CV and Resume Writers worldwide.

Corporate engagements

I've conducted resume writing seminars and outplacement workshops for employees of the Western Australian state and local governments, as well as universities.

What is the CV writing process?

Your resume is carefully designed to pass the ATS & appeal to the employer. More...

My role is to support and guide you, offering honest advice to improve your resume. It has to be written in your voice, since you have to defend what's written at interview. If you don't have a particular job in mind, I'll tailor your resume based on broad industry criteria to appeal to a wider range of employers. But remember, a resume customised for a specific role always gives the best results.

How we together create your resume

Here's how it goes:

First Chat
We get started with a chat about your career history and aspirations. This helps me understand your needs, ensuring your resume perfectly represents you.
Making Your resume
With the notes from our chat, I craft a resume that highlights your standout qualities and matches what employers want, boosting your chances of catching their attention.
Highlighting What You're Great At
The goal extends beyond just resume writing. We aim to ensure your unique strengths and individuality are displayed, making your application memorable.
Checking the Details
We carefully review your resume for presentation, readability, and accuracy, ensuring it's something you’re excited to submit.
Making Sure Your resume Gets Seen
Most employers use automated systems (ATS) to pre-screen resumes. I'll ensure it's ATS-friendly, helping it skip past the 'keeper' and reach human eyes.

Need to update an ancient resume?

I get many enquires from people who have not had a resume for many years. Things have changed... More...

If you haven’t updated your resume in yonks, you’ll find that much has changed in creating an effective one. One of the most significant shifts is the emphasis on tailoring your resume to each job application. Gone are the days of a generic resume for all jobs with a bit of tailoring in a cover letter.

Today, it’s crucial to customise your resume to highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific position you’re applying for. This involves carefully reading job descriptions and incorporating relevant keywords to ensure your resume gets past automated screening systems, known as Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which many companies now use to filter applications.

The digital landscape has significantly influenced how resumes are created and shared. The ability to share your resume electronically and ensure it is mobile-friendly is crucial, as more recruiters and hiring managers review applications on their devices. Electronic submission has become the norm, making it essential to ensure your resume is easily accessible and readable across various digital platforms. Format is key also, since if your resume is derived from a legacy software version, the ATS will likely not understand it.

The key reasons why people 'never hear back' is the format, content, and content structure of their resume and application documents. In many cases, their resume never gets past the digital 'keeper, the ATS.

What exactly are 'selection criteria'?

Think of this as the checklist for getting noticed. It's all about making sure your application highlights the skills and achievements your future employer is looking for. More...

For many employers, like supermarkets, mining, and government jobs, directly addressing these criteria is a standard part of the application process. It's not just about listing your experiences; it's about matching them to what the job description asks for. This means clearly showing how your background and qualities make you the best match for the role.

Whether the criteria are spelled out or you need to dig a bit to find them, making sure your application speaks directly to these points can really set you apart.

Selection criteria are the skills, experience, and qualities a company wants in its workers. This is especially key for those looking to fit into a company's way of working and goals. They might include things like:

The right training or work background.
Experience supervising a team or handling projects.
Knowledge specific to the job or industry.
Important qualities like being dependable and flexible.

These criteria, sometimes called Job Specs or Position Requirements, help you understand what a company is looking for. They cover both the hard skills needed for the job and the kind of person they want.

Addressing these criteria in your application is crucial to showing you're the right fit and moving forward in your career. Sometimes they are clearly stated, but often, you'll need to read between the lines to figure them out.

How To Stuff Up Your Job Application

Applied for lots of jobs and never heard back? If you've wondered why, here are some reasons: More...

Ignoring the ATS

The main problem? Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). More than 70% of resumes are screened and rejected by a robot at this initial stage because they don't match the job description.

Generic Resumes

Sending the same resume for every job application is a sure way to fail. Customise your resume - or at least the cover letter - for each application, showing how your skills and experiences make you an ideal candidate for that role.

Not Matching The Job Specifications

If your resume doesn't include the skills and experience listed in the job ad, it will likely be bypassed. Make sure your resume shows how you match the job requirements stated in the ad.

Pretty Designed Resumes

Beware of those "designed resumes" sold on the internet, which are style over substance. They might look appealing with their colours and columns, but often, ATS can't process them. Opt for a simple, clean layout that ensure readability by the ATS.

To increase your chances of getting an interview, focus on creating a resume that's not only clear and concise but also tailored for the job at hand and compatible with ATS requirements.